11-October-2024-Special-Article

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE CODE (NAC): A STEP TOWARDS STANDARDIZING INDIAN AGRICULTURE

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is in the process of drafting the National Agriculture Code (NAC) to create comprehensive standards across India’s entire agricultural cycle.

Similar to the National Building Code (NBC) and the National Electrical Code (NEC), the NAC aims to provide clear guidelines for various stakeholders, from farmers to policymakers.

This effort is expected to enhance agricultural practices and set a uniform framework for the sector. BIS also plans to set up Standardised Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADF) to test and promote these practices. The NAC is expected to be completed by October 2025.

     

What is the National Agriculture Code (NAC)?

Purpose:

• The NAC aims to create a standardized framework covering all stages of the agricultural process, from field preparation to storage.
• Currently, BIS has standards for agricultural machinery and inputs, but the NAC will fill gaps by regulating agricultural practices.

Scope:

• NAC will cover various agricultural processes including land preparation, sowing, irrigation, soil health, harvesting, and storage.
• It will also include standards for inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides.
• The NAC will incorporate modern practices such as natural farming, organic farming, and the use of technology like the Internet of Things (IoT).

Structure:

• Part 1: General principles applicable to all crops.
• Part 2: Specific standards for different crops like rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds.

Objectives:

• To create a national code that accommodates the diversity in India’s agriculture, considering different agro-climatic zones and crop types.
• To promote a quality culture in Indian agriculture by guiding policymakers and regulators.
• To provide comprehensive guidelines to farmers, helping them make informed decisions.
• To address broader issues like smart farming, sustainability, traceability, and documentation.

Guidance for Stakeholders:

• The NAC will serve as a reference for farmers, universities, and policymakers, providing them with best practices and standards to follow.

Training and Support:

• After the NAC is finalized, BIS will offer training programs for farmers to help them implement these standards effectively.

Challenges in Formulating NAC:

Diverse Agricultural Practices:

• India has 15 agro-climatic zones, each with unique soil types and farming practices. Creating a standardized code to accommodate this diversity is a challenge.

State vs. Central Jurisdiction:

• Agriculture is a state subject, which could create conflicts between state and central regulations. Harmonizing these laws while respecting state rights is critical.

Resource Constraints for Farmers:

• Many smallholder farmers may not have the necessary resources to adopt the practices outlined in the NAC, such as modern equipment or efficient irrigation systems.

Technology Barriers:

• While the NAC aims to promote the use of technology, many farmers may lack access to it or the skills required to implement it.

Data and Research Gaps:

• Limited comprehensive data on agricultural practices, yields, and market trends may hinder the creation of effective standards.

What Can Be Done to Address These Challenges?

Customisation and Flexibility:

• Develop region-specific guidelines to address India’s diverse agricultural landscape.
• Ensure the NAC is flexible, allowing it to be adopted by both small and large farms.

Environmental Considerations:

• The NAC must address key issues like land degradation, water scarcity, and climate change while promoting agricultural growth.

Capacity Building:

• Create hands-on training programs for farmers and develop digital platforms like mobile apps to provide real-time advice.

Policy and Regulatory Support:

• Establish a supportive legal framework to ensure the NAC is enforceable. Provide incentives like tax benefits to encourage compliance.

Learning from Agricultural Policies in Other Countries:

Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the EU:

• This policy provides subsidies and direct payments to farmers while controlling supply, offering valuable lessons in standardizing agriculture.

Growing Forward 2 (GF2) in Canada:

• This program focuses on innovation, competitiveness, and market development in agriculture, offering a model for integrating technology into farming practices.

CONCLUSION:

The National Agriculture Code (NAC) represents a major step toward modernizing and standardizing agricultural practices in India. By developing a framework that accommodates the diversity of Indian agriculture and provides clear guidelines for all stakeholders, the NAC could help improve productivity and sustainability. However, careful consideration of the challenges, especially related to diverse farming practices, technology access, and policy coordination, will be essential for its successful implementation.

Mains Question:

Q. Discuss the significance of the National Agriculture Code (NAC) in standardizing agricultural practices across India. (150 WORDS)